The New York Mets have secured their first member of new manager Carlos Beltran’s coaching staff. They are retaining Chili Davis as hitting coach on a multi-year deal. Davis is a holdover from the Mickey Callaway regime and was a key part of the Mets offensive successes in 2019.
Chili Davis is back with the Mets as hitting coach on a two-year contract. Phillies’ interest in him possibly ensured the multi-year deal.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) November 13, 2019
Davis was also the favorite to land the hitting coach position for the Philadelphia Phillies under Joe Girardi. Throughout the offseason, Davis said he wanted to remain in New York, but wanted a multi-year deal. The Mets and Davis were able to agree on a two-year deal to keep him with the Mets.
Davis Influence
Davis helped guide an offense which finished second in the National League in wRC+ (104) and fifth with 242 home runs. He was not alone as he had Tom Slater as his assistant hitting coach as well. The Mets will bring back Slater on a two-year deal to secure Beltran’s hitting coaches.
Their influence also played a major role for young hitters like Pete Alonso, J.D. Davis and Amed Rosario. All three players had good to amazing seasons and bought into the idea of using the entire field. Michael Conforto and Wilson Ramos were two other members of the Mets offense who had solid seasons under Davis.
Hitting coach Chili Davis is having a big impact
"Credit to him, he's been helping me out… helping me to get out of these mini slumps" pic.twitter.com/9JyHoIGHoV
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 2, 2019
Davis’ expertise as a hitter has translated well to his coaching ability. He hit .274 with 350 home runs over his 19 years in the big leagues and was a feared DH in the prime of his career. All the players in the clubhouse respected and gravitated towards him.
With Davis and Slater back in their roles, the Mets only have two key positions left to fill. Jeremy Hefner is rumored to be the favorite for Mets pitching coach, while names like Fredi Gonzalez and Ron Wotus have been rumored for the bench coach position.